“Your Pet’s Health Food Store”

Kelly Bebak, Owner & Animal Lover!

Kelly realized her dream of opening the Animal Kingdom in 2000.  Even as a child, animals were such an important part of her life.  She always knew that some day this love and passion she had for animals would play an important role in her life.  “Honestly, owning a business wasn’t the main objective for me.  Fortunately, my previous work experience and college education gave me the framework I needed to run a business.  But, the actual interactions with people who felt the same way I did about animals that was really important.  And, if I could do something that I really believed in, while at the same time improving the lives of pets and their people…that’s what it’s all about!”

Over the years, there have been lots of long hours, hard work and plenty of sacrifices running a busy retail store, but it really has been worth it.  Especially considering Kelly can take her favorite coonhound, Gus, to work with her.  What started out as a quality of life change from the corporate world has become a dream come true.  

Kelly and her husband, Jim, enjoy nature and spend lots of time hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, skiing…all activities that their beloved coonhound, Gus, can partake in too!  They also spent the greater part of ten years riding their beautiful Arabian/Appaloosa mare, Sara Bint Shaikh, right up until her death at the age of 28!  And, their sweet little house kitties, Casey, Max & Toby, have brought so much enjoyment to their lives as well.

It’s really amazing how much I’ve learned over the years, either through continuing education or shared experiences with our awesome customers.  I have a rather humorous, light-hearted rule for anyone who walks in the door…we only allow nice customers to enter…and I’ve never been disappointed!  I don’t know many other occupations where you actually enjoy going to work every day!  I count my blessings every day and really try to appreciate all the simple things in my life!

Gus Bebak…Top Dog!

It’s hard to believe, but Gus found his way into Kelly’s life literally by accident.  Gus had been dumped in the country in the middle of Winter 2001 and was picked up by Kelly’s neighbors and brought home.  Gus is truly a special dog and has been an incredible blessing to Kelly and her husband.  He enjoys any activities as long as they include his favorite parents!  Honestly, Gus is the true definition of a perfect dog as he has the mellow indoor hound temperament.  But, get him out in the woods and he’s all business and just wants to go for a hike!  Over the years, Gus’ popularity has grown and it’s not uncommon for people to express their disappointment if Gus had the day off when they came to visit.

Katie … Pack Member!

Anyone who knows Katie will certainly agree that Katie just has a zest for life.  She is a great girl with a quick wit and great sense of humor.  Katie, Bill and their three children had lived in Rochester for over six years, but moved back to Hamburg in 1995 as they missed being home.  Katie is known for her ability to work extremely well under pressure, especially at our busy annual open house weekend event!  Katie also finds time in her full schedule to volunteer for Meals on Wheels every week.  To complete the family, they have an energetic little calico kittie named Marley and a feisty rescue dog, Ruby, that they think may be part Dachsund and part terrier.  

Mary …Pack Member!

Mary is truly the definition of the word soccer Mom!   On any given day, Mary and her husband, Jeff, can be found at a swim meet, basketball game, baseball game, or on the softball field supporting or coaching one of their three children.  In between extra curricular activities with the kids, Mary somehow finds the time to help at the shop.  Mary is extremely neat and organized and helps keep Kelly focused!  One of Mary’s strengths is her ability to effectively display merchandise where space is at a premium. Mary's also affectionately known as our "personal shopper."  They have a sweet natured Golden Retriever, Ginger, to round out their family.

      Therese …Pack Member!

If you didn’t already know, Therese and Katie are sisters.  And, if you spend a few minutes chatting with Therese, you’ll find that she also has a quick wit and dry sense of humor…it must run in their family!  Therese is a person who very rarely sits still and stays busy keeping the shop in order and also finds the time to volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Ten Lives Club when she can.  Therese lives in Hamburg with her husband, Kevin, and two daughters.  Their clan also has a lovely kitty named Lucy who they just adore.

       Stephanie ...Pack Member!

I've known Stephanie since she was 12 years old when she and her dog, Rio won the "Wiggliest Butt Award" at our annual Pet Parade & Contest with the Burgerfest. Fast forward and Stephanie is a junior at Hilbert College in the Honors Program. Stephanie has three great dogs, Rio & Riley (Australian Shepard's) and Cassie (German Shepard) who she has entered in many different dog show competitions over the years. When Stephanie can find some free time between college classes and working part time, she also enjoys hunter/jumper horse back riding. We often refer to Steph as "our youngest team member who was born with a computer in hand!" Riley typically works with Stephanie on her shifts and even has her own customer following now :-)